Two Northeast Georgia men sentenced in cartel-linked drug cases; third faces charges

ATHENS, Ga. — Two Northeast Georgia men are headed to federal prison for trafficking drugs linked to Mexican cartels. One will serve life. The other, 30 years.

28-year-old Josue Serda of Jefferson and 52-year-old Orlando Muckle of Athens were sentenced Thursday, Nov. 5, by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III.

A third suspect, 30-year-old Raul Perez-Mondragon of Queretaro, Mexico, appeared in federal court the same day. He faces drug trafficking and firearms charges and remains in custody awaiting trial.

The three investigations involved more than 200 kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, along with the seizure of multiple firearms, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

“Cartel-connected drug trafficking organizations pose a serious threat to our communities, fueling violence and putting lives at risk through the distribution of deadly drugs and the proliferation of illegal firearms,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge, Marlo Graham.

Jefferson man sentenced to life

Serda was convicted July 8 following a seven-day trial. Prosecutors said he helped distribute more than seven kilograms of fentanyl and 50 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Athens area between January 2024 and May 2025.

Investigators identified him as a supplier for the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), a Mexican drug cartel.

Serda was convicted of drug conspiracy, four counts of distributing fentanyl, two methamphetamine distribution offenses, and a firearms offense. One methamphetamine offense occurred on premises where a minor was present, prosecutors said.

When FBI SWAT agents arrived to arrest Serda on Aug. 26, 2025, he contacted a drug supplier in Mexico through WhatsApp. According to court records, he warned Alicio Yanez-Pineda, known as “Cochito,” that the FBI was at his home. He told the supplier to have a truck scheduled to deliver narcotics that day “turn around.”

Prosecutors also cited Serda’s 2015 conviction for threatening a police officer, including threatening to have cartel associates harm the officer’s family.

Athens man sentenced to 30 years

Muckle, also known as “Lando,” pleaded guilty Aug. 6 to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Investigators said he obtained cocaine through sources associated with the Gulf Cartel and distributed it in the Athens area.

FBI surveillance identified two apartments used in the operation. Muckle stored cocaine at one on Jennings Mill Parkway and used another on Macon Highway for drug transactions. Investigators also made multiple controlled cocaine purchases using a confidential source.

Searches in July 2025 uncovered 26 kilograms of cocaine that Muckle admitted he intended to distribute.

Muckle will serve 10 years of supervised release after prison. Neither he nor Serda is eligible for parole in the federal prison system.

Third suspect accused of hiding meth in cabbages

Perez-Mondragon, a Mexican national, faces federal charges after investigators seized more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine and multiple firearms from an Athens residence. Prosecutors allege he belonged to a drug trafficking organization with ties to a transnational criminal organization.

Investigators said the operation concealed methamphetamine inside cabbages wrapped in green cellophane to avoid detection. Each package allegedly contained about one kilogram of methamphetamine. Shipments allegedly contained as many as 300 packages, each weighing about 1 kilogram (approximately 2.2 pounds).

During surveillance in November 2025, investigators said they observed Perez-Mondragon allegedly distributing drugs from a residence on Deer Creek Court in Athens. A subsequent search uncovered the methamphetamine and firearms.

Perez-Mondragon faces drug conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two firearms charges. One involves possessing a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle on Nov. 5 and remains in federal custody. He is also subject to an immigration detainer.

Federal and local agencies join forces

The cases are part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The investigations involved the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Department of Community Supervision.

Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters credited cooperation among agencies for the investigations’ results.

“The distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine brings violence, addiction, and significant harm to our communities,” Saulters said.

Saulters said Athens police remain committed to working with federal and local partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks and protect the community.